Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (All Models)
Contents
1. Ul Sli cu 2 y BAMBI BUCKET OPERATIONS MANUAL 2013 VERSION G BAMBI BUCKET OPERATIONS MANUAL Version G Issue Date July 2013 PLEASE READ BEFORE USING SEI INDUSTRIES LTD 7400 Wilson Avenue Delta B C Canada V4G 1E5 Phone 604 946 3131 Fax 604 940 9566 E Mail seisales sei ind com Website www sei ind com COPYRIGHT 2013 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN CANADA m Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G E Te Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi Bucket 1 Overview All Models E C cade 1 Section 2 Preflight Safety Check 2 Safety Checklist mr 2 Bambi System SEPAN NEUE Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket 4 Deployment Instructions oe cia Manto eee 4 Attaching to the Cargo HOD iiie E Fassa rada dte ERE ES 4 Control Head Orientation Models 6072 4453 only 4 Control Head Operation PTT segeusedeneace 6 Connecting 6 Checking Suspension Cable Length essen 7 Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging sese 8 Shorter Suspension Cables vagesameanspndsqsuddesendseenseropesaes 9 Instant Deployment System IDS 10 Section 4 Flight Op2. If any control head damage has occurred the Bambi bucket should not be flown m Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 16 E Te Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing Packing the Bucket 1 Collapse the IDS by pushing hub into the bucket 2 Grab the control head and pull the suspension lines taut Tape the lines together in two bunches Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G 17 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 3 Insert the operations manual and control head into the storage bag 4 Gather the suspension lines into a coil and stow inside the bucket Place the control head outside of the bucket to prevent the possibility of the lines tangling 5 Avoid any sharp folds along the base of the shell as this protects the shell from delamination which can occur if the Bambi bucket is stored for a long period of time 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 6 18 TA T Driven by Innovation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 6 Place the control head bag on top of the collapsed bucket 7 Roll the bucket into a bundle and wrap with the straps supplied 8 Take the carrying bag and drape it over the bucket Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 19 BUC K E T Driven by In
3. There are several models of buckets available as well as a number of accessories and enhancements including the Aqualanche valve the Torrentula valve the Powerfill Torren tula system and the Powerfill Snorkel system The operation of the Bambi bucket can be quickly mastered by operators with no previous experience and the bucket re quires no pre assembly Once airborne the operator can easily become familiar with the flight characteristics of the bucket Several test fills will also provide familiarity with the variable fill capability of the bucket Cut away view of standard Bambi bucket Please read this manual prior to flying the bucket particularly the sections on deploying filling and dumping For your own protection and for longer bucket life always read the instructions and warnings Ignoring these warnings could result in personal injury bucket damage or aircraft damage SEI Industries Ltd offers complete parts supply and repair services for the Bambi bucket For a repair fa cility in your area please contact SEI For maintenance and repair purposes parts diagrams and descriptions are provided in a separate service manual specific to your model When ordering parts please provide the model and serial number of your Bambi bucket For more copies of this manual please contact SEI or visit our website at www bambibucket com for more information on these products Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual versi
4. to prevent any damage to the cable Important Note To operate the solenoid and release the water a momentary contact switch is used The solenoid has a 10 duty cycle designed to not be operated more than 10 of the time Operating the so lenoid continuously will result in solenoid failure Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version G 6 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Checking Suspension Cable Length Warning Using a Bambi bucket with a greater overall length than the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on your helicopter could re sult in a tail rotor strike and possible loss of control of the helicopter which could result in injury or death Overall lengths of Bambi buckets with standard rigging are provided on the next page of this manual Before using the Bambi bucket check for the maximum total length To determine this length measure the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on the helicopter you will be using and subtract 6 152 mm To determine overall bucket length Measuring the bucket If a Firesock is to be used attach first and then measure to the bottom of the sock See Section 4 Flight Op erations for information on how to use the Firesock 1 Stretch out the bucket on the ground secure the control head 2 Pull out the dump valve fully pulling taut to ensure
5. Bambi buckets can operate in any atmospheric conditions where icing conditions are not present If icing conditions are encountered during operations in flight or on the ground SEI cannot guar antee the reliable operation of the valve actuating mechanisms nor related components Operating the Bambi bucket at 0 C or below may have adverse effects on the operation of the bucket and also to the fabrics used in its manufacture Please refer to the Bambi bucket operations manual for in formation related to proper storage Filling the Bucket Once the Bambi bucket touches the water surface it immediately tips and sinks This is a result of the ballast on one side of the bucket which makes it unstable on the water A Bambi bucket does not have to be towed to make it sink Warning When filling the Bambi bucket do not execute an abrupt 90 degree pedal turn with the helicopter close to the water while towing the bucket While filling there is a danger that the Bambi bucket suspension lines as with any other external load could get caught on a rear skid resulting in a dy namic rollover on liftout This could cause personal injury and helicopter damage Check the load and suspension cables with your mirrors before liftout m Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 11 E Te Section 4 Flight Operations Filling the Bucket Important Note When filling you may wish to get in the habit of hitting the switch a second time as
6. denote several load levels The cinch strap allows you to reduce the volume of the bucket to lower levels than by straight lifting speed alone Use of the cinch strap at minimal bucket volume may result in some loss of the secondary seal because of the sidewalls of the bucket being more vertical ideal sealing results from the angle between the sidewall of the bucket and the valve fabric being close to 90 degrees It is important to note that the top of the bucket is always the spill line The moment that the bucket breaks the surface of the water it is ready to fly Important Note Varying the speed of the lift is often the best way to adjust volume This allows the pilot to vary the load at each fill to best suit the fuel load and prevailing lift conditions Most pilots find it takes a dozen or so fills to get the feel of variable fill action on the Bambi bucket Caution Do not tighten the cinch strap past the smallest load marking Overtightening can damage the bucket shell or prevent the valve from dumping Caution The lowest fill setting for all models is 70 Always check the cinch strap to determine the correct setting Otherwise over tightening of the cinch strap could damage the bucket Caution Snagging the Bambi bucket on submerged objects could result in bucket shell damage High Elevation Operations In some areas fire conditions require the reduction of bucket loads to accommodate weight restrictions caused by high
7. ct must be returned to the company for inspection with all transportation and duty charges prepaid g The warranty does not extend to any product that has been accidentally damaged abraded altered punctured abused misused or used for a purpose which has not been approved by the company h This warranty does not apply to any accessories used with the product that are not supplied by the company and any warranty on such accessories must be requested from the manufacturer or dealer of the accessories i In the event the original purchaser does not give notice of a warranty claim within one year of the original purchase of the product it is understood that the purchaser has waived the claim for warranty and the purchaser and or any sub sequent purchaser must accept the condition of the product without warranty j Any technical information supplied by the company regarding the product is not a condition of warranty but rather is information provided by the company to the best of its knowledge k There are no implied warranties nor is there any warranty that can be assumed from any representation of any person except the company itself Exclusions 1 This warranty is void if the product is not installed used and or maintained in accordance with the operations manual supplied by SEI m All Bambi buckets are designed and manufactured with substantial safety margins It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the bucket is mai
8. e on the head If a larger shackle is used as shown in the photo below it may cause the power cable to tangle in the shackle pulling apart the break away plug If the shackle is too large it may cause the power cable to tangle pulling apart the break away plug Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version 5 BUC K E T riven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Control Head Orientation Models 5566 HL9800 only For these models it may be necessary to use a second shack le to rotate the bucket 90 degrees Control Head Operation Warning Do not remove the cover on the control head while operating the Bambi bucket Part of the tripline safety keeper is cast into the control head cover With the cover removed this safety feature is no longer functional Without the safety keeper functioning a separated tripline could cause a tail rotor strike which could result in severe injury or death and or helicopter damage Connecting Power The Bambi bucket s electrical supply is connected through a breakaway plug The purpose of the plug is to offer a clean breakaway if the Bambi bucket has to be jettisoned from the aircraft in an emergency It is suggested that the plug be lightly taped together with vinyl tape while in use to ensure that wind action does not separate the plug If the control cable is not secured to the longline duct tape should be wrapped every 24 36
9. elevation operations In these circumstances a smaller bucket or the use of a Bambi bucket with an Aqualanche valve or a Torrentula valve should be considered Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 13 Section 4 Flight Operations Using the Firesock Using the Firesock Attaching a Firesock to a Bambi bucket The Firesock when attached to the bottom of a Bambi bucket makes the bucket a more effective tool by increasing the aeration of the foam when using a Sacksafoam injection system The Firesock breaks down water droplets thereby increasing the exposed surface area when using straight water This simple design allows for improved coverage and increased drop accuracy as well as wider and longer drop patterns To use your Firesock simply attach the quick connect links onto the bottom chain and it s ready for action When finished using it make sure to e Inspect the Firesock for damage and make repairs Clean the Firesock using fresh water Store the Firesock attached to the Bambi bucket ensuring both are dry The Firesock is an optional item and not included with the Bambi bucket Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 14 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 4 Flight Operations Dumping the Bucket Dumping the Bucket Introduction To dump water from the bucket simply hit the dump switch once and the rest is automatic The weight of the water inside the bucket wi
10. erations 11 Flying the Bambi Bucket e trc E 11 Filing the s UIS c er etree eee Eo 11 EcerPpe 12 ITCHY SUA PH P 13 High Elevation Operations iie tia 13 Using DEP S SOONG E n 14 Dumping Bucket 15 MEN PRU E rene terete et 15 Dump Pattern Pc 15 EID SB Loss dde Ud ME Rc MIA 15 AAI M 16 Section 5 Packing and Storage 17 Packing Storing MT E 17 Packing the Bucket Wm 17 Section 6 Specifications and Parts 21 Capacity and Weight Specifications 21 Section 7 Warranty 23 y ambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version G BUC KE Te Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi Bucket Overview All Models Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi Bucket Overview All Models This manual provides helicopter operators with information on the operation of the Bambi bucket For serv ice and maintenance information please refer to the separate service manual for your specific bucket model number Since its introduction in 1983 the Bambi bucket has become the preferred means of helicopter fire fighting for more than 600 companies and agencies worldwide This universal in dustry acceptance is the result of the Bambi bucket s effec tiveness reliability simplicity and ease of use
11. es Important Note When releasing the tripline the head must be upright at no less than a 60 degree angle ambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G 2 T Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist Bambi Bucket Drawing Control Head Fittings I Suspension Lines Trip Line Shackle M Straps Purse Lines IDS Assembly IDS Brackets Ballast Pouch Purse Strings Hf 7 Side Battens Cinch Strap Brackets Cinch Strap Cinch strap on larger models will be external Wear Strips or Valve Bolts Fabric Strips Dump Valve Bottom Chain Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 3 T Driven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Attaching to the Cargo Hook Caution The Bambi bucket may not be suitable for a direct hook up to the cargo hook The actual hook up will be different for various aircraft and operators must comply with all instructions and bulle tins supplied by the aircraft manufacturer It is the operator s responsibility to ensure that the Bam bi bucket is correctly fitted to the helicopter Control Head Orientation Models 6072 4453 only The Bambi bucket is rigged for a lateral cargo hook Correct attachment is indicated when the name plate on the control head faces forward in flight This ensures tha
12. ll cause the fabric dump valve to turn inside out through the bottom of the bucket giving obstruction free passage to the escaping water and producing the best possible dump pattern Important Note When dumping the larger buckets models 2024 and up you may notice that the dump valve does not fully return after release The valve will return as soon as the bucket is immersed again in wa ter To ensure this when filling hit the dump switch again when the suspension lines are slack and before lifting out If the valve fails to operate it may be due to a jammed condition in the bucket which caused the internal motor protection to trip To reset turn off the power to the bucket circuit wait for 10 sec onds and then turn the power back on and attempt to operate the valve If the problem continues investigate the cause of the jammed condition Dump Pattern The dump pattern is affected by height and airspeed Itis most concentrated at lower altitudes and at a hover The pattern will spread with height and speed Most operators take advantage of these characteristics to maximize their assault on the fireline Warning Ensure that ground personnel are clear from the dumping zone Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury Dump Speed Make dumps at slower speeds before progressing to faster dumps to get familiar with the flight characteris tics while dumping from your particular helicopter Bambi 2013 Bambi B
13. novation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 9 Roll the bucket over and insert the bucket and Firesock into the bag The Bambi bucket carrying bag makes a suitable shipping container when shipping via airfreight Because of the compactness of the Bambi many operators carry it aboard the helicopter at all times during the fire season This allows for rapid deployment when required Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version G 20 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Bambi Model IMP Gal Capacity USG Gal Liters 270 Gross Weight Empty Weight 360 360 874 396 74 34 27325 320C 3542 420B 7590 HL4000 HL5000 11400 5170 HL7600 HL9800 17180 7790 9800 22090 10020 530 240 Note Capacities and weights are accurate to within 5 Specifications subject to change 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 21 Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Caution The selection of a Bambi bucket model for a specific aircraft is dependent on many factors including aircraft weight fuel weight operation elevation and atmospheric conditions The helicopter operator must select a bucket model which is a
14. ntained to a safe standard Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version G 23 BUCK E Te Driven by Innovation
15. on 1 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist Along with the aircraft the Bambi bucket should also receive a preflight inspection each day Follow the checklist below beginning at the bottom of the bucket and working upwards 1 9o Qv tA 10 Check the bottom chain looking for any tears in the fabric straps Also check the lockwire or tie wraps on the shackles Check for loose bolts around the bucket shell IDS brackets at the top cinch strap brackets at the midpoint and the wear strips at the bottom Check the diagonal M straps that connect the suspension cables to the top of the bucket looking for signs of wear or incorrect suspension line connections Check the purse lines on the dump valve Frayed lines should be replaced Do not wait for a line to break before replacing it Check the cinch strap ensuring it is at the correct percentage Check the suspension cables for frays kinks or loose swages Check that the ballast is securely attached Full ballast is essential for safe operations Check the control head for secure fittings Never operate the bucket with the control head cover removed Check solenoid operation by activating it several times Activate the head with 24 volts to release the catch then pull the tripline cable to full extension from the control head checking for kinks frays or loose swag
16. ppropriate for their specific situation The operator must also ensure that the bucket selected does not pose a tail rotor strike hazard Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G 22 BUC K T Driven by Innovation Section 7 Warranty Section 7 Warranty SEI Industries Ltd the company agrees to grant a warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase of Bam bi bucket systems on the following conditions a The company s sole obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing at the company s sole discre tion any product shown to be defective b The company s products are not guaranteed for any specific length of time or measure of service but are warranted only to be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of one year to the original purchaser c To the extent allowable under applicable law the company s liability for consequential and incidental damages is expressly disclaimed The company s liability in all events is limited to and shall not exceed the purchase price paid d This warranty is granted to the original purchaser of Bambi bucket systems and does not extend to a subsequent purchaser or assignee e The company must receive notification in writing of any claims of warranty from the original purchaser which must give details of the claimed defect in the product f Where the original purchaser is claiming under warranty the produ
17. rts of the IDS are illustrated in a separate service manual Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G 10 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 4 Flight Operations Flying the Bambi Bucket Section 4 Flight Operations Flying the Bambi Bucket The Bambi bucket should be flown in accordance with the United States Forest Service recommendations limiting all helicopters other than tandem rotor to a maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo hook operations The recommended never exceed speed VNE for the Bambi bucket is 80 KIAS however this is not a flight manual limitation Speeds above 80 KIAS should be approached with caution and any decision to exceed this speed should be based on flight characteristics aircraft flight manual limitations air craft bucket configuration and load stability etc Any change that exceeds our recommendation should be formally authorized in your company s external load specifications A suggested flight procedure is to build up speed slowly with the Bambi bucket under prevailing conditions to determine a safe maximum flying speed In order to reduce drag on the bucket when empty it can be flown in a valve open position by pressing the release mechanism once while in forward flight The dead weight of the load ensures different handling characteristics than when flying empty As a result the Bambi bucket does not pulse or throb under load in flight Important Note
18. t the ballast on the Bambi will face forward in flight Caution It is important that the ballast faces forward in flight This will avoid twisting of the suspension lines and possible jamming of the tripline If your helicopter has a longitudinal hook rotate the shackle yoke unit at the top of the head by 90 degrees This will place the name plate on the control head forward in flight For this style of head if using a swivel hook always operate in the locked position to assure that the ballast is always facing forward in flight m Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 4 E Te Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Important Note If you are using a swivel with an electrical connection it is acceptable for the bucket to be flown without the ballast facing forward The Bambi bucket has been tested with some swivels and per forms very well despite rotating in flight The swivel also prevents the suspension lines from twisting up after dipping the bucket The control head used on models 6072 4453 has a moveable yoke which can be rotated by 90 degrees The yoke is ma chined to orient in either direction Hole used when rotating head In some cases where the cargo hook is too large for the standard shackle a second larger shackle can be used Warning When a second shackle is used to turn the bucket 90 degrees choose a shackle that is close to the same size as the shackl
19. the suspension cables are straight Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual Version G 7 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging Overall Length Bambi Model Meters 6072 12 11 3 94 14 6 12 11 14 6 12 11 14 3 20 1 15 10 320C 23 0 7 01 HL5000 32 0 9 75 Important Note If a firesock is being used add 8 200 mm to the overall length shown in the chart above NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version G 8 E Ts Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions 3 If the Firesock is to be used attach first and then measure to the bottom of the sock 4 Measure the distance from the shackle on the control head to the bottom of the dump valve This measurement should be less than the maximum total length as determined with the chart on the previ ous page Important Note A Always measure the overall extended length of your Bambi bucket and B Measure the distance from the belly hook to the closest possible point on the tail rotor B must always exceed by at least six 6 inches Important Note It is recommended that operators who choose to use the Bambi bucket with a longline ensure that the longline is at least 50 long Shorter Suspension Cables If the overall length of the Bambi b
20. ucket Operations Manual Version 15 BUCKET Driven by Innovati Section 4 Flight Operations Landing Landing The recommended landing procedure allows the bucket to touch down ahead of the helicopter and then maintain tension on the suspension lines by backing up slightly thereby keeping the control head at an angle while landing Caution To avoid damage to helicopters with low skids never land on a vertical control head This could damage the helicopter and or the control head The head is approximately 24 610 mm in length Do not release the control head from the cargo hook while hovering At height this could damage the con trol head Land as normal and then detach the control head or hover at approximately two feet and then re lease the head Caution If the control head has experienced a severe impact it is necessary to visually examine the top square lug of the control head base casting to determine if it has been bent or otherwise damaged This examination requires the unbolting and removal of the cast yoke surrounding the lug The bottom suspension lugs should be examined for damage as well Do not drag the Bambi over rough surfaces when landing or ground handling This will damage the bucket shell Caution If the stub is damaged the control head base casting requires replacement Operating with a dam aged top stub could result in failure of the attachment point and unintentional release of the bucket
21. ucket exceeds the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor of the helicopter shorter suspension lines triplines and deployment lines must be used and can be or dered from SEI Please specify the model and serial number when ordering parts Important Note It is important to keep the tripline adjusted properly or the bucket may not dump Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 9 Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Instant Deployment System IDS Instant Deployment System IDS The instant deployment system uses a hub and spoke mechanism to automatically expand the mouth of the bucket as soon as the weight of the Bambi bucket is taken up by the suspension ca bles When the bucket is full the IDS deployment ca ble and hub restrainer cables should be slack as they should not bear any load Their function is to position the hub and spoke mechanism to hold the bucket open To deploy the IDS on the ground reach into the Correct IDS position bucket grasp the hub of the IDS and pull out ward fully until the two restraining cables from the hub to the lower bucket shell are tight The IDS is normally set in its correct position by the factory but if the bucket has been worked on by other people it may have been accidentally positioned wrong Corrections can be made by lengthening or short ening the restraining cable bottom chains until the IDS is in the proper position The main pa
22. you enter the water to ensure that the release mechanism is in the locked position To fill the bucket from an open top tank you will require a tank with a recommended depth as shown in the chart below ss Required Tank sor 1003 2206 44 110 eo 152 72732 122 oo 152 3200 122 eo 152 es 10 213 ess 1 o 229 7590 96 244 122000 75 190 oe 244 FHt5000 eo 2 03 mo 280 Variable Fill Capability The pilot can vary the bucket s capacity by the speed at which it is pulled from the water As the submerged bucket is lifted water pressure expands the fabric bucket shell and its internal fiberglass battens flex out ward increasing the bucket s volume The greater the pressure the more volume the bucket holds Volume can also be regulated using the cinch strap on various bucket models The variable drop Bambi Torrentula Valve and Bambi MAX buckets can provide load shedding at dip sites Also PowerFill accessories can be used to regulate loads Bambi 2013 Bambi Bucket Operations Manual version 12 BUCK E Te Driven by Innovation Section 4 Flight Operations Filling the Bucket Cinch Strap The cinch strap located inside the bucket on models 6072 4453 and outside on models 5566 9800 allows the pilot to reduce the volume of the bucket to a pre set position The cinch strap is marked with percentage settings that
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